The Centre for Development and Enterprise (CDE) has urged President Cyril Ramaphosa to prioritize appointing highly skilled individuals to key public service roles. This call comes as part of the CDE’s latest report, “ACTION TWO: Appoint the right people in mission-critical public sector jobs,” which emphasizes the need for excellence and integrity in public office to drive the government’s reform agenda.
According to the CDE, underperforming public officials should be replaced with exceptional individuals to accelerate the government’s efforts to implement meaningful reforms. “The new government’s focus must be on filling key positions with the best possible candidates. Outstanding professional appointments can initiate change, promote faster growth, and create millions of jobs,” said CDE Executive Director Ann Bernstein.
Bernstein acknowledged the dedication of many senior civil servants who perform admirably despite challenging circumstances. The report identifies several mission-critical positions essential for the government’s initial reform phase. These roles include Cabinet Ministers, Deputy Ministers, Directors-Generals, and their deputies in priority areas such as Finance, Trade, Industry and Competition, Police, Justice and Constitutional Development, and Employment and Labour. Senior officials in state-owned companies and institutions under government control are also deemed crucial.
“We use the term ‘mission-critical’ to describe jobs that will determine the success or failure of turning South Africa around,” Bernstein explained. “If the state is to become more effective, we must seize opportunities to dramatically improve state capability and ensure the best possible people are appointed to these essential roles.”
The CDE advocates for officials in mission-critical positions to reapply for their jobs through rigorous recruitment processes. The report proposes replacing the current practice of cadre deployment with merit-based appointments, a common approach globally for political advisors joining new governments. To ensure effectiveness, the roles and number of advisors should be clearly defined.
“South Africa’s newly elected President should, very early in the new administration, issue a statement unequivocally indicating the government’s opposition to and termination of cadre deployment,” Bernstein said. “This is a fundamental principle required for rebuilding an honest, effective public service.”
To expedite this commitment, Bernstein stressed the urgent need to place the right people in mission-critical jobs immediately. She cited the severe consequences of appointing unsuitable individuals to vital positions.
The CDE also recommends establishing a permanent disciplinary tribunal chaired by a retired judge to swiftly address corruption cases involving public officials. This tribunal would operate on an inquisitorial basis, not requiring the completion of criminal investigations and prosecutions before taking action.
Additional reforms suggested by the CDE include strengthening the Public Service Commission, implementing more rigorous entrance exams for public servants, and amending the Labour Relations Act to facilitate the replacement of senior civil servants.
“Achieving a workable reform agenda requires a well-oiled state machine. That depends on hard-working, honest public servants executing their responsibilities effectively and conscientiously,” said Bernstein. “Without a capable civil service, efforts to overcome the country’s multiple crises will fail. Rebuilding an effective state will take time, but we need bold reforms and more effective delivery urgently.”
The CDE’s concerns about the quality of South Africa’s public servants align with those of the Public Service Commission. Commission head Somadoda Fikeni has highlighted a shortage of professional and technical skills in the civil service. He noted that some public servants view their roles as enforcing rules rather than achieving outcomes, while others misuse their positions for personal gain and patronage.
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